I haven't posted in awhile, but I received so much advice and support from this site at the beginning of Larry's journey, that I wanted to post again. We started Hospice last week and it was a very emotional decision for the family. Even though the tumors continued to grow with chemo, Larry felt like we were at least trying something, but ultimately, the chemo was affecting his immune system and he ended up in the hospital 3 times this summer with complications. I would like to ask for prayers, good thoughts--whatever anyone's preference is--that Larry will not experience anything we cannot handle. His doctor has been very compassionate and supportive and has assured Larry that he will continue to keep his pain in check. We had hoped for a longer journey, but it is not to be.

I would like to thank all those who shared their stories and advice with us at the beginning. This site has been a valuable asset to us. I may not have posted lately, but I have continued to check-in on other's journeys throughout the summer.

May your journeys be full of zeros and may your lives be filled with love and hope.

My goodness.My prayers will be said everyday for Larry. Thank you for having the strength to update us. I am deeply saddened by this news. I will pray the Lord also gives you strength and peace during these very difficult times. All my best to you, Karen...

I am truly sorry to hear the news that the battle has not gone well. You both will be in my thoughts and all the good wishes I can muster are headed your way. Let Larry know there are many, many here who hold him in their thoughts at this difficult time for you both.Bill1/05 PSA----2.9 3/06-----3.2 3/07-------4.1 5/07------3.9 All negative DREsAged 59 when diagnosedBiopsy 6/07----4 of 10 cores positive for Adenocarcinoma-------bummer!Core 1 <5%, core 2----50%, core 3----60%, core 4----50%Biopsy Pathologist's comment:Gleason 4+3=7 (80% grade 4) Stage T2cNeither extracapsular nor perineural invasion is identified CT scan and Bone scan show no evidence of metastasesDa Vinci RP Aug 10th 2007Post-op pathology:Positive for perineural invasion and 1 small focal extensionNegative at surgical margins, negative node and negative vesicle involvementSome 4+4=8 identified ........upgraded to Gleason 8PSA Oct 07 <0.1 undetectablePSA Jan 08 <0.1 undetectablePSA April 08 <0.001 undetectablePSA August 08 <.001 undetectable

Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the human race.H.G.Wells

..I'm so very sorry to hear this. I followed your post from before my first signing on the site. Your hope, love and your compassion for the man you love was/is inspiring...You Ma'am, as well as Larry have my humble and deepest respect....along with the my most positive thoughts and prayers.....God bless ya' both

I'm sorry to say that I am personally familiar with your situation and my heart goes out to you and Larry. I will pray for you and your family in my daily prayers. The Lord will see both of you through this.

Jim

I am age 47 - Father, Paternal Uncle and Maternal Grandfather had/have Prostate Cancer. Father 74 years old, PSA = 10.6 Gleason = 5 + 5 = 10 (very aggressive) and high involvement in all cores. Seed therapy is the only option. Father died cancer free.06/04/08 - At physical DRE normal, PSA test returns 4.406/20/08 - First Urologist visit. DRE and ultrasound finds nothing conclusive. Doctor says biopsy is the only safe way to go. Prostate volume is 40 grams.07/11/08 - PSA test returns 4.1. Scheduled the Stereotactic Transperineal Prostate Biopsy for 7/2107/21/08 - Had the biopsy. Not so bad but sore on day 2. Back to work tomorrow

We are very sorry and sad for you and Larry. You will be assured that my prayers will include your family. Our lives were introduced to Hospice with my mom's ovarian cancer struggle. We felt they were so passionate and comforting and we hope your experience will be the same. God be with you. Pat and Roger

I'm so very sorry to hear this. From the beginning, your posts have shown your deep love for Larry and the hope that he would be able to buy himself more time. I admire the way he tried to do what he could to rid himself of this rotten disease, with you by his side. You and Larry and family will be in my thoughts. I wish you peace.

I, too, will keep you and Larry in my thoughts. Please let him know that there's a whole bunch of us wishing peace for both of you.

-Les1/2005 Dx PSA 26.5 Gleason 7 (4+3) @Age 611/2005 Start Casodex and ZoladexPSA drops to <0.01 7/2005-8/2005 5 weeks of IMRT and then HDR brachy1/2007 Rad Oncologist orders CT scan of pelvis because of complaints of pain in both thighsMRI confirms pain not caused by cancer BUT1/2007 CT scan of pelvis picks up a nodule at bottom of left lung5/2007 CT scan of lungs shows 1/2007 nodule has grown and there are numerous nodules on both lungs.6/2007 Thoracic surgeon removes wedge of left lung for biopsy6/2007 Path report says 95% chance of metastatic PCa, but she'snever seen cells like this before.8/2007 2nd opinion at M.D. Anderson in Houston. They confirm: mutated PCa, very rare, but seen there 2 or3 times. Recommendation: have CT scans every 6 weeksand watch for change. At that point start chemo and willsurvive for 22 - 24 months thereafter.PSA still undetectable, but get Lupron shot to bring T down from 272/2008 Trip to Houston – PSA now 0.5 and nodules larger. Lupron shot.6/2008 Trip to Houston - Finally got results from doc. A number of lung nodules have grown, but, more important to him, is the fact that the malignant lesion on my pelvis seems to have flared up and he wants me to start chemo. He said I could wait a few months, but I told him I want to start now. He to get me signed up for a clinical trial in nearby NY.

Karen thank you so much for writing, and I to will ad my prayer to the list. Through my ministry and website I get to hear from several people per month that deal with similar circumstances and one thing is for sure it will always be difficult. Please stay in touch with us here and please keep us posted as to Larry's condition. If you would ever like to talk away from the forum just send me an email.

Thank you all for your kind words, prayers and support. I would like to acknowledge each of you individually, but since that is difficult, please know that each of you have continued to touch our lives and are a great source of emotional support. May you all feel the gentle breeze of hope.

Karen,I can't do any more than add my thoughts and prayers to all the others you have received. Best,MikeJune 2005 - Age 53 PSA 4.8 at regular physical October 2005 - After several rounds of anti-biotics, PSA 5.2 at Urlogist November 2005 - Biopsy negative July 2006 - PSA 5.9 at regular Physical October 2006 - After several more rounds of anti-biotics PSA 8.1 November 2006 - Second biopsy - Positive December 2006 - Gleason (3+4=7), Tumor T1c, CT Scan and Bone Scan Negative January 2, 2007 Robotic Prostatectomy, University of Rochester Medical Center - Tumor confined but larger than thought, only one nerve able to be spared. Margins clear. February 2007 - Three to fo ur pads a day, no erection with viagara. April 2007 - First Post-Surgical PSA 0.02. Down to one pad a day.July, 2007 - Six Month Post-op: PSA 0.04 No change in ED. October, 2007 - Nine Month Post-op: PSA back down to 0.02!Almost totally dry! Only slight improvement in ED - Will try injections if not improved by next appointment. January 2008: One Year Post-OP PSA 0.02 still dripping, but improving. Tried 500 dose of MUSE for ED, no luck. Will try 1000.July, 2008 PSA 0.04 again, will recheck in October. Use .15cc Trimix injections, partial success. Will try .20cc.

Oh Karen, How strong you are.....I thought of my favorite quote by Emily Dickinson:"Hope is the thing with feathers... That perches in the soul ...That sings the tune without the words,...And never stops at all...."I pray that you have peace....DiHusband Petedx Jan 2001 age 67 gleason 4 + 3 PSA 16.5 seed implant and conformal radiation Lupron from Jan 2001 to Jan20022005 Dec PSA began to rise from .5 to 8 within 6 monthsSalvage surgery at MSK 9/06Fistula operation 2/07 MSKMany cystoscopies and ER visits with stricturescatheter for one year....Catheter taken out Sept 07..Total Incontinence since then....PSA .52 3/07AUS Operation at MSK Sept 8. Dr. Sandhu